New diagnostic methods for pneumonia in older adults

Establishing and Implementing Pneumonia Diagnosis in ED Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Approach

Observational Ohio State University · NCT06092008

This study is testing new ways to diagnose pneumonia in older adults in the emergency room to see if they can improve accuracy in identifying different types of infections.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06092008 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to create a clinical diagnostic pathway for older adults in the emergency department who are suspected of having pneumonia, including its subgroups such as bacterial and viral infections. It will involve a prospective observational analysis of 250 patients aged 65 and older, assessing the effectiveness of novel biomarkers in improving diagnostic accuracy. The goal is to develop common models that can facilitate the adoption of these diagnostic methods in clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 65 and older who present to the emergency department with suspected pneumonia.

Not a fit: Patients with active cancer, organ transplants, or those who are immunosuppressed may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of pneumonia diagnoses in older adults, leading to better-targeted treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on novel biomarkers, similar studies have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy for pneumonia in older populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Adults aged 65 and older presenting to the ED with suspected pneumonia defined as (1) either a physician order for CXR OR CT OR a chief complaint consistent with dyspnea; AND (2) physician suspicion of pneumonia prior to ED testing (score of 2-5 on Likert scale)

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to obtain consent from the patient or an LAR
* active cancer
* organ transplant
* immunosuppression
* trauma activation
* suicidal ideation
* incarceration
* antibiotics in the last 14 days
* a separate episode of lower respiratory illness in the last 30 days

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pneumonia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.